Should I give ADHD medication to my child?

Should I give my child ADHD medication?

Medicating your child for ADHD is a tough decision for any parent, especially for mothers. Being a mom with ADHD is tough. You feel like you are a bad parent when you are not. There is no need for mums and dads to feel guilty. Read below for useful ADHD medication tips.

We can help you make an informed, balanced decision about ADHD medication.

Our experts researched the positive effects of ADHD meds.

(It’s really good news!)

The great news is 80% of kids with ADHD in our study said they respond very well to medication. Teachers notice improved results and principals notice fewer trips to “The Principals’ Office” for antisocial behaviour or rule breaking behaviour.

“I am in control of my behaviour in the classroom and get ‘Student of the Week’ more often”.

“I can now get the homework finished”

What do kids say about side effects of ADHD meds?

Medical management (with ADHD medication) has been associated with an increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression. At Focused Education, our research indicates that 20% of children do not respond well to stimulant ADHD medication.

Our experts researched the negative effects of ADHD meds.

Our 3-year study by our psychologist team recorded “a negative response to medication” in 20% of cases. This negative feeling is usually due to feeling anxious or more aggressive. In cases of this nature, our psychologists suggest to our families to stop medication in consultation with their paediatrician.

What do scientists know about the negative effects on the ADHD brain?

A 2016 medical study by Dr Liesbeth Reneman, MD, PhD, Brain Imaging Center at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands studied the effect of medication on an ADHD brain. Dr Reneman noted a “small change in cerebral blood flow in the thalamus among children aged 10 to 12 years in response to the challenge compared to baseline”. Dr Reneman1

What does this clinical result mean for my ADHD medication decision?

Basically, that is a small chance of physical change in the brain as a result of medication. We think that the benefits outweigh the negative aspects in relation to this study. Keep in mind the brain is changing all the time. The stress of having severe ADHD can also cause brain changes. You will need to discuss with your psychologist or paediatrician how severe they believe your child’s ADHD is.

The founder of Focused Education Martyn Drysdale has ADHD himself. His awesome brother Mark? Well…… he has a diagnosis of being a professional legend!

Who can give consent for medical treatment of ADHD with stimulant meds?

“Young people at the age of 16 and 17 years who have the capacity can provide consent for their own medical treatment and Gillick competence has extended the same rights to children under the age of 16 years. Capacity and competence require the young person to understand the nature and purpose of the proposed treatment, as well as the benefits and consequences of not having it. The required high level of understanding regarding ADHD medications may elude some young people, rendering them unable to provide valid consent.” [excerpt from ADHD In Practice Journal, reference cited below]

About the author: Martyn Drysdale is the founder of Focused Education, has ADHD himself and loves his mother dearly.

If you feel you need help in regards to making a choice about ADHD medication our staff are available anywhere in the world via Skype or telephone call.

If you are in the Perth area drop into our Perth Clinic for a chat, just give our medical reception team a call today or use the contact form below.

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